The Rise of the Tech-Savvy Legal Partner

How tech-savvy should legal partners be in 2025? 🤔

Once upon a time, being a great legal partner was about sharp legal minds, money-making skills and the ability to lead a team. Fast forward to 2025 and there’s another must-have skill creeping up that list – digital literacy.

AI-powered legal research, contract automation and data analytics are reshaping law firms. Junior lawyers are adapting fast, but many partners are still playing catch-up. According to Thomson Reuters' report, "How AI is transforming the legal profession," 77% of legal professionals believe AI will have a high or transformational impact on their work within the next five years, yet some senior lawyers still prefer traditional ways of working.

And it’s not just about keeping up. Many partners have concerns about AI’s impact on data security, ethical risks and the impact on legal roles. But the best way to manage those risks isn’t to avoid AI, but to understand it. Firms that embrace legal tech can offer sharper insights, work more efficiently and meet client demands for smarter solutions. Those that don’t risk falling behind.

The best legal partners of the future won’t be coders, but they will know how to leverage technology for better legal and business outcomes.

So, is digital literacy now as crucial as commercial awareness for legal partners? Or will firms always prioritise traditional skills over tech expertise? Let’s hear your thoughts below. 👇